Sound processor apparatuses that facilitate battery type detection and communication with a programming system

ABSTRACT

An exemplary sound processor apparatus included in an auditory prosthesis system includes 1) an interface assembly that includes at least a first contact, 2) a first switchable current source having an output coupled to the first contact of the interface assembly by way of a first data line, and 3) a control module that detects a connection of a battery module to the interface assembly by way of the first contact, enables the first switchable current source while the battery module is connected to the interface assembly, detects a logic level of the first data line while the first switchable current source is enabled and while the battery module is connected to the interface assembly, and identifies, based on the detected logic level of the first data line, a battery type associated with the battery module. Corresponding sound processor apparatuses, systems, and methods are also described.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Various types of auditory prosthesis systems have been developed toassist patients who have severe (e.g., complete) hearing loss. Forexample, cochlear implant systems may provide a sense of hearing forsensorineural hearing loss patients by providing electrical stimulationrepresentative of sound directly to stimulation sites within thecochlea. As another example, electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”)systems may assist patients with some degree of residual hearing in thelow frequencies (e.g., below 1000 Hz) by providing acoustic stimulationrepresentative of low frequency audio content and electrical stimulationrepresentative of high frequency content.

Many auditory prosthesis systems include a sound processor apparatus(e.g., a behind-the-ear (“BTE”) sound processing unit, a body worndevice, etc.) configured to be located external to the patient. Thesound processor apparatus may perform a variety of functions, such asprocessing audio signals presented to the patient, controlling anoperation one or more implantable devices (e.g., one or more cochlearimplants), and providing power to the one or more implantable devices.

A conventional sound processor apparatus may include an interfaceassembly that includes a plurality of contacts (e.g., a plurality ofpins). One or more accessories and/or other types of external componentsmay be connected to the sound processor apparatus by way of theinterface assembly. Each contact included in the interface assembly isassociated with a single dedicated function. For example, a particularcontact may be used by the sound processor apparatus to receiveprogramming data from a programming system while the programming systemis connected to the sound processor apparatus by way of the interfaceassembly. However, the same contact may not be used to perform any othertype of function while other types of external components (e.g., batterymodules) are connected to the sound processor apparatus by way of theinterface assembly.

Unfortunately, this limitation requires the use of an interface assemblythat has a relatively large number of contacts (e.g., ten or more) inimplementations where it is desirable for the sound processor apparatusto interchangeably connect to multiple external components. A highcontact count necessarily increases the required physical size of theinterface assembly, which in turn makes the sound processor apparatusundesirably large, bulky, and aesthetically unappealing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments and are a partof the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examplesand do not limit the scope of the disclosure. Throughout the drawings,identical or similar reference numbers designate identical or similarelements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary auditory prosthesis system according toprinciples described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an implementation of the auditory prosthesis systemof FIG. 1 according to principles described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary components that may be included within asound processor apparatus according to principles described herein.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary configuration of the sound processor apparatusof FIG. 3 according to principles described herein.

FIG. 5 shows that multiple external components may be interchangeablyconnected to an interface assembly of a sound processor apparatusaccording to principles described herein.

FIGS. 6-10 illustrate various external components that may beinterchangeably connected to an interface assembly of a sound processorapparatus according to principles described herein.

FIG. 11 shows a table that lists functions that may be assigned to eachcontact included in an interface assembly of a sound processor apparatusaccording to principles described herein.

FIG. 12 shows a table that illustrates possible connection states thatmay be used to identify a battery type associated with a particularbattery module that is connected to an interface assembly of a soundprocessor apparatus according to principles described herein.

FIGS. 13-19 show various external components connected to an interfaceassembly of a sound processor assembly according to principles describedherein.

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary charging system according to principlesdescribed herein.

FIG. 21 shows a table that lists a number of use cases and how eachcontact included in an eight contact interface assembly may be used by acontrol module in each use case according to principles describedherein.

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary method of overloading a plurality ofcontacts included in an interface assembly of a sound processorapparatus that is a part of an auditory prosthesis system according toprinciples described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Sound processor apparatuses that facilitate battery type detection andcommunication with a programming system by way of the same contact(s)included in an interface assembly are described herein. As will bedescribed below, an exemplary sound processor apparatus may include 1)an interface assembly that includes at least a first contact and asecond contact and that facilitates interchangeable connectivity of aplurality of external components to the sound processor apparatus (e.g.,by interchangeably connecting to the plurality of external components),and 2) a control module coupled to the first and second contacts andconfigured to selectively operate in a battery type detection mode andin a programming mode. While operating in the battery type detectionmode, the control module uses the first and second contacts to detect abattery type of a battery module connected to the interface assembly.While operating in the programming mode, the control module uses thesame first and second contacts to communicate with a programming systemconnected to the interface assembly.

To illustrate, while a battery module is connected to the interfaceassembly, the control module may use two contacts included in theinterface assembly to identify a battery type associated with thebattery module (e.g., whether the battery module includes a Lithium-Ion(“Li-Ion”) battery or a Zinc-Air (“Zn-Air”) battery). A user may thendisconnect the battery module from the interface assembly and connect aprogramming cable associated with a programming system to the interfaceassembly in place of the battery module. While the programming system isconnected to the interface assembly, the control module may use the sametwo contacts to communicate with the programming system (e.g., inaccordance with a differential signaling heuristic).

By overloading contacts with multiple functions in this manner (i.e., byusing the same contact to perform different operations with respect todifferent external components coupled to the interface assembly),various benefits may be realized. For example, the number of contactsrequired to be included in the interface assembly for the soundprocessor apparatus to interact with multiple external components may bereduced compared to interface assemblies included in conventional soundprocessor apparatuses. This, in turn, may facilitate a lighter, lessbulky, and more aesthetically pleasing sound processor apparatus.Furthermore, by overloading contacts with multiple functions, the soundprocessor apparatus described herein may interact with more externalcomponents and perform more operations with respect to the externalcomponents compared to conventional sound processor apparatuses.

Another exemplary sound processor apparatus described herein may includean interface assembly that includes a plurality of contacts and thatfacilitates interchangeable connectivity of a plurality of externalcomponents to the sound processor apparatus, a first switchable currentsource having an output coupled to the first contact of the interfaceassembly by way of a first data line, and a control modulecommunicatively coupled to the first switchable current source and tothe first data line and that 1) detects a connection of a battery moduleto the interface assembly by way of the first contact, 2) enables thefirst switchable current source while the battery module is connected tothe interface assembly, 3) detects a logic level of the first data linewhile the first switchable current source is enabled and while thebattery module is connected to the interface assembly, and 4)identifies, based on the detected logic level of the first data line, abattery type associated with the battery module.

By identifying the battery type associated with a battery moduleconnected to the interface assembly, the control module may optimize amanner in which the sound processor apparatus operates. For example, thecontrol module may determine a remaining battery life associated withthe battery module and notify the patient accordingly, adjust one ormore control parameters associated with the auditory prosthesis system(e.g., reduce the amplitude of the electrical stimulation being appliedby a cochlear implant in order to optimize battery usage), determinewhen to initiate a shut down procedure of the sound processor apparatus(e.g., a safe shut down procedure when battery life is almost depleted),and/or perform any other operation as may serve a particularimplementation.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary auditory prosthesis system 100. Auditoryprosthesis system 100 may include a microphone 102, a sound processorapparatus 104, a headpiece 106 having a coil disposed therein, acochlear implant 108, and a lead 110 with a plurality of electrodes 112disposed thereon. Additional or alternative components may be includedwithin auditory prosthesis system 100 as may serve a particularimplementation.

As shown, auditory prosthesis system 100 may include various componentsconfigured to be located external to a patient including, but notlimited to, a microphone 102, a sound processor apparatus 104, and aheadpiece 106. Auditory prosthesis system 100 may further includevarious components configured to be implanted within the patientincluding, but not limited to, a cochlear implant 108 and a lead 110with a plurality of electrodes 112 disposed thereon. As will bedescribed in more detail below, additional or alternative components maybe included within auditory prosthesis system 100 as may serve aparticular implementation. The components shown in FIG. 1 will now bedescribed in more detail.

Microphone 102 may be configured to detect audio signals presented tothe patient. Microphone 102 may be implemented in any suitable manner.For example, microphone 102 may include a “T-Mic” or the like that isconfigured to be placed within the concha of the ear near the entranceto the ear canal. Such a microphone may be held within the concha of theear near the entrance of the ear canal by a boom or stalk that isattached to an ear hook configured to be selectively attached to soundprocessor apparatus 104. Additionally or alternatively, microphone 102may be implemented by one or more microphones disposed within headpiece106, one or more microphones disposed within sound processor apparatus104, and/or any other suitable microphone as may serve a particularimplementation.

Sound processor apparatus 104 (i.e., one or more components includedwithin sound processor apparatus 104) may be configured to directcochlear implant 108 to generate and apply electrical stimulation (alsoreferred to herein as “stimulation current”) representative of one ormore audio signals (e.g., one or more audio signals detected bymicrophone 102, input by way of an auxiliary audio input port, etc.) toone or more stimulation sites associated with an auditory pathway (e.g.,the auditory nerve) of the patient. Exemplary stimulation sites include,but are not limited to, one or more locations within the cochlea, thecochlear nucleus, the inferior colliculus, and/or any other nuclei inthe auditory pathway. To this end, sound processor apparatus 104 mayprocess the one or more audio signals in accordance with a selectedsound processing strategy or program to generate appropriate stimulationparameters for controlling cochlear implant 108. Sound processorapparatus 104 may include or be implemented by a behind-the-ear (“BTE”)unit, a body worn device, and/or any other sound processing unit as mayserve a particular implementation.

In some examples, sound processor apparatus 104 may wirelessly transmitstimulation parameters (e.g., in the form of data words included in aforward telemetry sequence) and/or power signals to cochlear implant 108by way of a wireless communication link 114 between headpiece 106 andcochlear implant 108. It will be understood that communication link 114may include a bi-directional communication link and/or one or morededicated uni-directional communication links.

Headpiece 106 may be communicatively coupled to sound processorapparatus 104 and may include an external antenna (e.g., a coil and/orone or more wireless communication components) configured to facilitateselective wireless coupling of sound processor apparatus 104 to cochlearimplant 108. Headpiece 106 may be additionally or alternatively be usedto selectively and wirelessly couple any other external device tocochlear implant 108. To this end, headpiece 106 may be configured to beaffixed to the patient's head and positioned such that the externalantenna housed within headpiece 106 is communicatively coupled to acorresponding implantable antenna (which may also be implemented by acoil and/or one or more wireless communication components) includedwithin or otherwise associated with cochlear implant 108. In thismanner, stimulation parameters and/or power signals may be wirelesslytransmitted between sound processor apparatus 104 and cochlear implant108 via a communication link 114 (which may include a bi-directionalcommunication link and/or one or more dedicated uni-directionalcommunication links as may serve a particular implementation).

Cochlear implant 108 may include any type of implantable stimulator thatmay be used in association with the systems and methods describedherein. For example, cochlear implant 108 may be implemented by animplantable cochlear stimulator. In some alternative implementations,cochlear implant 108 may include a brainstem implant and/or any othertype of cochlear implant that may be implanted within a patient andconfigured to apply stimulation to one or more stimulation sites locatedalong an auditory pathway of a patient.

In some examples, cochlear implant 108 may be configured to generateelectrical stimulation representative of an audio signal processed bysound processor apparatus 104 (e.g., an audio signal detected bymicrophone 102) in accordance with one or more stimulation parameterstransmitted thereto by sound processor apparatus 104. Cochlear implant108 may be further configured to apply the electrical stimulation to oneor more stimulation sites within the patient via one or more electrodes112 disposed along lead 110. In some examples, cochlear implant 108 mayinclude a plurality of independent current sources each associated witha channel defined by one or more of electrodes 112. In this manner,different stimulation current levels may be applied to multiplestimulation sites simultaneously by way of multiple electrodes 112.

The auditory prosthesis system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be referredto as a cochlear implant system because sound processor apparatus 104 isconfigured to direct cochlear implant 108 to generate and applyelectrical stimulation representative of audio content (e.g., one ormore audio signals) to one or more stimulation sites within the patientby way of one or more of electrodes 112. FIG. 2 illustrates anotherimplementation of auditory prosthesis system 100 in which auditoryprosthesis system 100 is further configured to provide acousticstimulation to the patient. Hence, the implementation shown in FIG. 2may be referred to as an electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”) system.

As shown, auditory prosthesis system 100 may further include a receiver202 (also referred to as a loudspeaker). In this configuration, soundprocessor apparatus 104 may be configured to direct receiver 202 toapply acoustic stimulation representative of audio content included in arelatively low frequency band (e.g., below 1000 Hz) to the patient andcochlear implant 108 to apply electrical stimulation representative ofaudio content included in a relatively high frequency band (e.g., above1000 Hz) to one or more stimulation sites within the patient by way ofone or more of electrodes 112.

FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary components that may be included withinsound processor apparatus 104. As shown, sound processor apparatus 104may include a control module 302 and an interface assembly 304 (alsoreferred to as a “multipurpose interface assembly”) that includes aplurality of contacts 306. It will be recognized that sound processorapparatus 104 may include additional or alternative components as mayserve a particular implementation. In some examples, one or more of thecomponents included in sound processor apparatus 104 (e.g., controlmodule 302 and interface assembly 304) may be housed within a singlecasing.

Control module 302 may be configured to perform one or more operationswith respect to one or more components connected to or otherwisecommunicative coupled to sound processor apparatus 104. For example,control module 302 may be configured to control an operation of cochlearimplant 108, receiver 202, and/or any other device associated withproviding electrical and/or acoustic stimulation to a patient. Toillustrate, control module 302 may process an audio signal presented tothe patient, generate one or more stimulation parameters based on theprocessing of the audio signal, and direct cochlear implant 108 togenerate and apply electrical stimulation representative of the audiosignal to the patient in accordance with the stimulation parameters(e.g., by transmitting the stimulation parameters to cochlear implant108).

Control module 302 may be additionally or alternatively configured tointeract with one or more external components connected to soundprocessor apparatus 104 by way of interface assembly 304. To this end,control module may overload at least some of contacts 306 with aplurality of functions. Exemplary manners in which this may be performedwill be described below. Other ways in which control module 302 mayoverload at least some of contacts 305 with a plurality of functions aredescribed in more detail in co-pending PCT Application No.PCT/US13/21605, entitled “Sound Processor Apparatuses with aMultipurpose Interface Assembly for Use in an Auditory ProsthesisSystem,” filed the same day as the present application, and incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

Control module 302 may be implemented by any suitable combination ofintegrated circuits, circuitry, processors, and/or computing devicesconfigured to perform one or more of the operations and/or functionsdescribed herein. Exemplary implementations of control module 302 willbe described below.

Interface assembly 304 may be configured to facilitate interchangeableconnectivity of a plurality of external components to sound processorapparatus 104. To this end, interface assembly 304 may include aplurality of contacts 306. The number of contacts 306 may vary as mayserve a particular implementation. For example, in some implementations,interface assembly 304 may include no more than eight contacts 306.

Each contact 306 may include any type of conductive contact (e.g., amale contact such as a pin or a female contact such as a receptacle) asmay serve a particular implementation. Each contact 306 may beconfigured to be electrically coupled to a corresponding contactincluded in an interface assembly associated with (e.g., integrated intoand/or otherwise coupled to) an external component while the externalcomponent is connected to interface assembly 304.

Control module 302 and interface assembly 304 may be implemented in anysuitable manner. For example, FIG. 4 shows an exemplary configuration ofsound processor apparatus 104 wherein control module 302 is implementedby an integrated circuit (“IC”) 402 and various on-board electricalcomponents 404 (e.g., resistors, capacitors, and grounds—the value ofwhich may be selected as may best serve a particular implementation)disposed on a printed circuit board 406.

IC 402 may be implemented by any suitable combination of integratedcircuits as may serve a particular implementation. IC 402 may include aplurality of ports. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, IC 402 may includean auxiliary port (DPP_AUX), a number of general purpose input/outputports labeled (GPIO), differential signaling ports (DPP_A and DPP_B),and an analog-to-digital port (ADC). Additional or alternative ports maybe included in IC 402 as may serve a particular implementation.

In this particular implementation, interface assembly 304 has eightcontacts, each of which may be connected to IC 402 and/or one or moreelectrical components 404 by way of one or more data lines (e.g., dataline 408). The eight contacts are labeled 1 through 8 and named GND, VB,DPP−, DPP+, AUX_IN/TRIG, AUX_GND, V_AUX, and DIO, respectively.

FIG. 5 shows that multiple external components 502 (e.g., externalcomponents 502-1 through 502-N) may be interchangeably connected tointerface assembly 304 of sound processor apparatus 104 by way ofcontacts 306. Exemplary external components 502 include, but are notlimited to, various types of battery modules (e.g., a rechargeablebattery module such as a Li-Ion battery module, a non-rechargeablebattery module such as a Zn-Air battery module, an audio-enabled batterymodule (e.g., a battery module that has an audio receiver connectedthereto), etc.), a programming system (e.g., a fitting device), alistening check interposer, an audio receiver (e.g., a digitalmodulation (“DM”) receiver), an off-ear power module, and/or any othertype of external component as may serve a particular implementation.

In some examples, only a single external component 502 may be connectedto sound processor apparatus 104 by way of interface assembly 304 at anygiven time. In other examples, multiple external components 502 may beconcurrently connected to sound processor apparatus 104 by way ofinterface assembly 304. For example, a listening check interposer may beconnected directly to interface assembly 304 and a battery module may beconnected to the listening check interposer.

Various external components 502 that may be interchangeably connected tosound processor apparatus 104 by way of interface assembly 304 will nowbe described in connection with FIGS. 6-10. It will be recognized thatthe external components 502 described in connection with FIGS. 6-10 aremerely illustrative of the many different external components that maybe connected to sound processor apparatus 104 by way of interfaceassembly 304 in accordance with the systems and methods describedherein. The external components 502 described in connection with FIGS.6-10 may each be interchangeably connected to the eight-contactinterface assembly 304 illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary Li-Ion battery module 602 and anexemplary Zn-Air battery module 604 that may each be interchangeablyconnected to interface assembly 304. As shown, each battery module 602and 604 may include eight contacts (labeled 1 through 8) configured tobe in communication with (i.e., make physical contact with)corresponding contacts 306 included in interface assembly 304.

Li-Ion battery module 602 may include a rechargeable power supply module606 configured to provide power to sound processor apparatus 104 by wayof contact 2 (with contact 1 being used as a power supply ground). Anexemplary voltage range for the power provided by power supply module606 is up to 4.2 volts DC (“VDC”).

Zn-Air battery module 604 may include a non-rechargeable power supply608 (e.g., a battery pack that includes one or more Zn-Air batteries)configured to provide power to sound processor apparatus 104 by way ofcontact 2 (with contact 1 being used as a power supply ground). Anexemplary voltage range for the power provided by power supply 608 is upto 1.6 VDC per cell (e.g., 3.2 VDC in cases where Zn-Air battery module604 includes two cells).

As shown, each battery module 602 and 604 may include a resistor R_(ID)that bridges contacts 5 and 6. As will be described below, this resistormay be used by control module 302 of sound processor apparatus 104 toidentify a battery model associated with each battery module 602 and604. The value of resistor R_(ID) (and all other resistors describedherein) may be selected as may serve a particular implementation.

As also shown, contact 3 of Li-Ion battery module 602 may be connectedto ground, while contact 3 of Zn-Air battery module 604 may be left open(i.e., not connected to anything). As will be described below, soundprocessor apparatus 104 may detect whether contact 3 of a battery moduleconnected to interface assembly 304 is grounded or left open andidentify a battery type associated with the battery module accordingly(e.g., whether the battery module is a Li-Ion battery module or a Zn-Airbattery module).

As also shown, various contacts (e.g., contacts 4, 7, and 8 of Li-Ionbattery module 602 and contacts 3, 4, 7, and 8 of Zn-Air battery module604) may be left open.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary audio-enabled battery module 702 thatmay be interchangeably connected to interface assembly 304. As shown,audio-enabled battery module 702 may include eight contacts (labeled 1through 8) configured to be in communication with (i.e., make physicalcontact with) corresponding contacts 306 included in interface assembly304 while audio-enabled battery module 702 is connected to interfaceassembly 304.

Audio-enabled battery module 702 is similar to Li-Ion battery module 602in that it includes a rechargeable power supply module 606 configured toprovide power to sound processor apparatus 104 by way of contact 2 (withcontact 1 being used as a power supply ground) and a resistor R_(ID)that bridges contacts 5 and 6. Alternatively, audio-enabled batterymodule 702 may include a Zn-Air power supply.

As shown, audio-enabled battery module 702 includes an audio receiver704 (e.g., an FM or DM receiver) coupled to contacts 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7.Audio receiver 704 may be configured to provide audio input to soundprocessor apparatus 104 while audio-enabled battery module 702 isconnected to interface assembly 304. Contacts 4 and 8 may be left open.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary off-ear power module 802 that may beinterchangeably connected to interface assembly 304. As shown, off-earpower module 802 may include eight contacts (labeled 1 through 8)configured to be in communication with (i.e., make physical contactwith) corresponding contacts 306 included in interface assembly 304while off-ear power module 802 is connected to interface assembly 304.

As shown, off-ear power module 802 may include a power cell 804configured to be worn off the ear. Power cell 804 may use relativelylarge batteries (e.g., AAA batteries) and may be connected to contacts 1and 2 by way of a cable 806 that includes, for example, two wires.

Off-ear power module 802 may also include a resistor 808 that bridgescontact 3 and ground. Resistor 808 may prevent a charging device(described below) from charging (and hence, damaging) off-ear powermodule 802 if a user inadvertently inserts off-ear power module 802 intothe charging device. Contacts 4, 7, and 8 may be left open.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary programming system 900 that may beinterchangeably connected to interface assembly 304. As shown,programming system 900 may include a connection interface 902 coupled toa programming device 904.

Programming device 904 may include, but is not limited to, a fittingstation, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a handheld device, amobile device (e.g., a mobile phone), a clinician's programminginterface (“CPI”) device, and/or any other suitable device used toprogram sound processor apparatus 104 as may serve a particularimplementation. Programming device 904 may be configured to communicatewith (e.g., provide programming data to) sound processor apparatus 104(i.e., control module 302), provide power to sound processor apparatus104, and/or otherwise interact with sound processor apparatus 104 whileprogramming system 902 is connected to interface assembly 304.

Connection interface 902 may be implemented, for example, by aprogramming cable, and may include eight contacts (labeled 1 through 8)configured to be in communication with (i.e., make physical contactwith) corresponding contacts 306 included in interface assembly 304while programming system 902 is connected to interface assembly 304.

As shown, an audio receiver 906 (e.g., an FM or DM receiver) may becoupled to connection interface 902 and configured to provide audio tosound processor apparatus 104 while programming system 902 is connectedto interface assembly 304.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary listening check interposer 1002 thatmay be interchangeably connected to interface assembly 304. As shown,listening check interposer 1002 may include eight contacts (labeled 1through 8) configured to be in communication with (i.e., make physicalcontact with) corresponding contacts 306 included in interface assembly304 while listening check interposer 1002 is connected to interfaceassembly 304.

Listening check interposer 1002 may be configured to allow a clinicianor other user to listen to the audio that is being presented to thepatient (e.g., audio detected by microphone 102, audio provided by anauxiliary audio input device, etc.). To this end, contacts 3 and 4 areconnected to a headphone 1004, which may be used by the clinician orother user to listen to the audio. As shown, the contacts feed throughlistening check interposer 1002 so that a battery module or othersuitable external component may be coupled to interface assembly 304 byway of listening check interposer 1002.

Listening check interposer 1002 is merely an example of the variousinterposers that may be connected to interface assembly 304 of soundprocessor apparatus 104. Other types of interposers (e.g., auxiliaryaudio interposers) may additionally or alternatively be connected tointerface assembly 304.

As mentioned, control module 302 may overload one or more contacts 306each with a plurality of functions in order to perform differentoperations with respect to the different external components illustratedin FIGS. 6-10 that may be coupled to interface assembly 304. At the sametime, various contacts 306 may not be overloaded (i.e., they may be usedfor a single function regardless of the external component 502 connectedto interface assembly 304).

For example, FIG. 11 shows a table 1100 that lists functions that may beassigned to each contact 306 included in interface assembly 304 (i.e.,contacts 1 through 8 shown in FIG. 4) for each of the externalcomponents illustrated in FIGS. 6-10. The functions shown in table 1100are merely illustrative of the many different functions that may beassigned to each contact 306.

As shown, contact 1 may serve as a power supply ground (BAT−) port forsound processor apparatus 104 regardless of which external component isconnected to interface assembly 304. Likewise, contact 2 may serve as apower supply port (BAT+) regardless of which external component isconnected to interface assembly 304. In some examples, sound processorapparatus 104 (i.e., control module 302) may be configured to tolerateup to a maximum voltage level (e.g., 5.5 VDC) on contact 2 with respectto the power supply ground on contact 1.

With reference still to table 1100, contacts 3 and 4 may be used bycontrol module 302 to identify a battery type associated with aparticular battery module (e.g., Li-Ion battery module 602, Zn-Airbattery module 604, audio enabled battery module 702, and off-ear powermodule 802) while the battery module is connected to interface assembly304. This function is referred to as “BAT ID−” and “BAT ID+” in table1100.

To illustrate, FIG. 12 shows a table 1200 that illustrates possibleconnection states of contact 3 and contact 4 when a particular batterymodule is connected to interface assembly 304. A look-up table similarto table 1200 may be maintained and used by control module 302 toidentify a battery type associated with a particular battery moduleconnected to interface assembly 304.

As shown, each contact (i.e., contacts 3 and 4) may be either connectedto ground or left open while a battery module is connected to interfaceassembly 304. To illustrate, with reference to FIG. 6, contact 3 isconnected to ground while Li-Ion battery module 602 is connected tointerface assembly 304 and left open when Zn-Air battery module 604 isconnected to interface assembly 304. Because there are two possibleconnection states for each contact (i.e., contacts 3 and 4), a total offour different battery types (e.g., Type A through Type D shown in FIG.12) may be identified by control module 302. Exemplary battery typesinclude, but are not limited to, an Li-Ion battery type, a Zn-Airbattery type, and/or any other battery type as may serve a particularimplementation.

To illustrate, with respect to the various battery modules illustratedherein, contact 3 is connected to ground and contact 4 is left openwhile either Li-Ion battery module 602 or audio-enabled battery module702 is connected to interface assembly 304. Hence, in accordance withtable 1200, control module 302 may determine that both of these batterymodules 602 and 702 are associated with a battery type of “Type B”(which, in this case, may be representative of a Li-Ion battery type).With respect to off-ear power module 802, contact 3 is also connected toground (even though resistor 808 is present between contact 3 andground) and contact 4 is left open while off-ear power module 802 isconnected to interface assembly 304. Hence, in accordance with table1200, control module 302 may determine that off-ear power module 802 isalso associated with a battery type of “Type B”.

As another example, contacts 3 and 4 are both left open while Zn-Airbattery module 604 is connected to interface assembly 304. Hence, inaccordance with table 1200, control module 302 may determine that Zn-Airbattery module 604 is associated with a battery type of “Type D” (which,in this case, may be representative of a Zn-Air battery type).

Each battery type shown in FIG. 12 may correspond to a particularvoltage range provided by the particular battery module connected tointerface assembly 304. For example, Type B shown in FIG. 12 correspondsto a voltage range typically provided by a Li-Ion battery type (e.g., byLi-Ion battery module 602). As another example, Type D shown in FIG. 12corresponds to a voltage range typically provided by a Zn-Air batterytype (e.g., by Zn-Air battery module 602). Each voltage range may bedifferent as may serve a particular implementation.

Exemplary manners in which control module 302 may determine whethercontacts 3 and 4 are connected to ground or left open in order toidentify a battery type associated with a battery module that isconnected to interface assembly 304 will now be described in connectionwith FIGS. 13-16.

FIGS. 13-16 illustrate the various connection states shown in FIG. 12 ofcontacts 3 and 4 while various battery modules are connected tointerface assembly 304. For example, FIG. 13 shows that contacts 3 and 4are both connected to ground (i.e., ground 1302) while a first type ofbattery module 1304 is connected to interface assembly 304. FIG. 14shows that contact 3 is connected to ground (i.e., ground 1402) andcontact 4 remains open while a second type of battery module 1404 isconnected to interface assembly 304. FIG. 15 shows that contact 3remains open and contact 4 is connected to ground (i.e., ground 1502)while a third type of battery module 1504 is connected to interfaceassembly 304. FIG. 16 shows that both contacts 3 and 4 remain open whilea fourth type of battery module 1604 is connected to interface assembly304. As shown in FIGS. 13-16, each battery module 1302, 1402, 1502, and1602 includes a battery 1306, 1406, 1506, and 1606, respectively,configured to provide power to control module 302 of sound processorassembly 104.

FIGS. 13-16 also show various components internal to IC 402 that may beused to determine a connection state of contacts 3 and 4 while aparticular battery module (e.g., one of battery modules 1302, 1402,1502, and 1602) is connected to interface assembly 304 (and thereforeidentify a battery type associated with the battery module. For example,IC 402 may include a plurality of switchable current sources 1308 (i.e.,pull-up switchable current sources 1308-1 and 1308-2 and pull-downswitchable current sources 1308-3 and 1308-4) as well as a number oflogical components. Each switchable current source 1308 may be of anysuitable size (e.g., 5 microamps) and implemented by any suitablecurrent source and switch. As shown, the outputs of current sources1308-1 and 1308-2 are coupled to contacts 3 and 4, respectively, by wayof data lines 1310-1 and 1310-2, respectively.

To identify a battery type associated with a particular battery module,control module 302 (i.e., IC 402) may detect a connection of the batterymodule to interface assembly 304 (i.e., determine that the batterymodule is connected to interface facility 304. This may be performed inany suitable manner. For example, the detection may be performed duringa powering on of sound processor apparatus 104 (e.g., during a bootsequence of sound processor apparatus 104). To illustrate, upon powerreset, control module 302 may attempt to communicate with a programmingsystem. If this communication is unsuccessful, control module 302 mayassume that a battery module is connected. Additionally oralternatively, control module 302 may detect the connection of thebattery module by detecting a voltage level change on a data line thatoccurs in response to the connection and/or in any other way as mayserve a particular implementation.

Control module 302 may then enable (i.e., turn on) switchable currentsources 1308-1 and 1308-2. Control module 302 may enable switchablecurrent sources 1308-1 and 1308-2 in any suitable manner. For example,control module 302 may assert the lines labeled PULLUP_A_ENA andPULLUP_B_ENA in order to enable switchable current sources 1308-1 and1308-2.

Control module 302 may detect a logic level of data lines 1310-1 and1310-2 while switchable current sources 1308-1 and 1308-2 are enabledand then identify, based on the detected logic levels, a battery typeassociated with the battery module.

To illustrate, enablement of current source 1308-1 will pull data line1310-1 to a logic high if contact 3 is open (i.e., not connected toground). However, data line 1310-1 will not be pulled high (andtherefore remain a logic low) if contact 3 is connected to ground.Likewise, enablement of current source 1308-2 will pull data line 1310-2to a logic high if contact 4 is open (i.e., not connected to ground).However, data line 1310-2 will not be pulled high (and therefore remaina logic low) if contact 4 is connected to ground. Control module 302 maydetect these logic levels (e.g., by detecting a logic level ofDATA_A_DETECT_L and DATA_B_DETECT_L lines, which, in this configuration,will have logic levels opposite that of their corresponding data lines1310-1 and 1310-2) and thereby identify a battery type associated withthe battery module.

To illustrate, control module 302 may identify the battery type as beinga first battery type (e.g., “Type A” shown in FIG. 12) if the detectedlogic level of data line 1310-1 and the detected logic level of dataline 1310-2 are both logic lows (which would occur in the configurationshown in FIG. 13). Alternatively, control module 302 may identify thebattery type as being a second battery type (e.g., “Type B” shown inFIG. 12) if the detected logic level of data line 1310-1 is a logic lowand the detected logic level of data line 1310-2 is a logic high (whichwould occur in the configuration shown in FIG. 14). Alternatively,control module 302 may identify the battery type as being a thirdbattery type (e.g., “Type C” shown in FIG. 12) if the detected logiclevel of data line 1310-1 is a logic high and the detected logic levelof data line 1310-2 is a logic low ((which would occur in theconfiguration shown in FIG. 15). Alternatively, control module 302 mayidentify the battery type as being a fourth battery type (e.g., “Type D”shown in FIG. 12) if the detected logic level of data line 1310-1 andthe detected logic level of data line 1310-2 are both logic highs (whichwould occur in the configuration shown in FIG. 16).

In some examples, switchable current sources 1308-1 and 1308-2 may bedisabled by control module 304 in response to identifying the batterytype associated with a battery module connected to interface assembly304. In this manner, power utilized by current sources 1308-1 and 1308-2may be conserved while control module 302 is not actively identifyingthe battery type. Control module 304 may disable switchable currentsources 1308-1 and 1308-2, for example, by de-asserting the lineslabeled PULLUP_A_ENA and PULLUP_B_ENA.

In some alternative embodiments, contacts 3 and/or 4 may be connected toground by way of a resistor (e.g., a pull-down resistor). For example,FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 13, except that both contacts 3 and 4 areconnected to ground by way of a pull-down resistor (i.e., pull-downresistors 1702 and 1704, respectively). The value of pull-down resistors1702 and 1704 may be any suitable value (e.g., 100 Kohms). Inconfigurations such as that shown in FIG. 17, control module 302 mayidentify battery type associated with a battery module connected tointerface assembly 304 in a similar manner as that described inconnection with FIGS. 13-16.

It will be recognized that more or less contacts may be used to identifythe battery type depending on the total number of battery types that itis desired for control module 302 to identify. For example, when it isdesirable to only identify two different battery types, a single contact(e.g., contact 3) may be used instead of two contacts as describedabove.

To illustrate, FIG. 18 shows an exemplary configuration wherein a singlecontact (i.e., contract 3) is used to identify a battery type of abattery module 1802 connected to interface facility 304. As shown, IC402 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 13-17, except that switchablecurrent source 1308-2 (i.e., the current source associated with dataline 1310-2) is not included. Control module 304 may determine whetherbattery module 1802 is of a first type or a second type by determiningwhether contact 3 is connected to ground (i.e., ground 1804) or whethercontact 3 is left open while battery module 1802 is connected tointerface assembly 304. This may be performed in a similar manner tothat described above in connection with FIGS. 13-17.

Control module 302 may identify the battery type (and battery model,which will be described below) of a battery module connected tointerface assembly 304 at any suitable time. For example, control module302 may identify the battery type and battery model in response todetecting a powering on of sound processor apparatus 104. Once thebattery type and/or battery model is identified, control module 302 maystore data representative of the identified battery type and/or model(e.g., in any suitable type of memory) and perform one or moreoperations in accordance with the identified battery type and/or model.For example, control module 302 may determine a remaining battery lifeassociated with the battery module, adjust one or more controlparameters associated with the auditory prosthesis system (e.g., reducethe amplitude of the electrical stimulation being applied by cochlearimplant 108 in order to optimize battery usage), determine when toinitiate a shut down procedure of sound processor apparatus 104 (e.g., asafe shut down procedure when battery life is almost depleted), and/orany other operation as may serve a particular implementation.

With reference again to table 1100, contacts 3 and 4 may alternativelybe used by control module 302 to communicate (e.g., by using serial datacommunication) with a programming system (e.g., programming system 900)in accordance with a differential signaling heuristic while theprogramming system is connected to interface assembly 304. This functionis referred to as “DPP−” and “DPP+” in table 1100.

To illustrate, control module 302 may receive programming data (e.g.,programming instructions) from programming device 904 by way of pairs ofdifferential signals transmitted via data lines associated with contacts3 and 4 while connection interface 902 of programming system 900 isconnected to interface assembly 304. In some examples, the differentialsignaling heuristic directs control module 302 and programming device904 to communicate using half-duplex differential signaling (i.e.,control module 302 and programming device 904 take turns driving thedata lines (e.g., on a by-word or by-packet basis)).

Differential signaling provides more noise immunity than single-endedsignaling, which is used in conventional communication schemes betweensound processor apparatuses and programming systems. Differentialsignaling may also reduce EMI emissions compared to single-endedsignaling.

In some examples, control module 302 may detect a disconnection of abattery module (e.g., battery module 1302) from interface assembly 304and a connection of a programming system to interface assembly 304 inplace of the battery module. In response, control module 302 may switchfrom a battery type detection mode (i.e., a mode in which contacts 3 and4 are used to detect a battery type) to a programming mode in whichcontrol module 302 communicates with the programming system by way ofcontacts 3 and 4. To illustrate, FIG. 19 shows an exemplary programmingsystem 1902 (which may be similar to programming system 900 describedabove) connected to interface assembly 304 in place of a battery module(e.g., battery module 1302). As shown, contacts 3 and 4 are nowconnected to a differential signaling module 1904 included withinprogramming system 1902. Differential signaling module 1904 maycommunicate with control module 1302 in accordance with a differentialsignaling heuristic.

During periods of time in which control module 302 is not activelyidentifying a battery type or communicating with a programming system(i.e., while control module 302 is in an idle state), control module 302may de-assert DRIVER_ENA and assert PULLDN_ENA. This enables negativeswitchable current sources 1308-3 and 1308-4, which pulls data lines1310-1 and 1310-2 to ground. This minimizes possible electrical noisedue to floating inputs, and reduces corrosion risk from otherwise havingthese lines at non-ground potential. When in the idle state, theDATA_A_DETECT_L line can be used by control module 302 to generate aninterrupt and “wake up” the control module's data communicationinterface, should a connected device wish to resume communication anddrive data line 1310-2 high.

With reference again to table 1100, contacts 3 and 4 may alternativelybe used by control module 302 as differential pulse density modulated(“PDM”) audio output ports while listening check interposer 1002 isconnected to interface assembly 304. This function is referred to as“PDM−” and “PDM+” in table 1100. In this manner, a user may useheadphone 1004 to listen to audio that is being presented to thepatient.

Various functions that may be assigned to contacts 5 and 6 will now bedescribed. As shown in table 1100, contacts 5 and 6 may be used bycontrol module 302 to identify a battery model associated with aparticular battery module (e.g., Li-Ion battery module 602, Zn-Airbattery module 604, audio enabled battery module 702, and off-ear powermodule 802) while the battery module is connected to interface assembly304. This function is referred to as “MODEL ID” and “MODEL ID GND” intable 1100.

Different battery models may exist within a particular battery type. Forexample, two battery modules may have the same battery type, butdifferent battery models. To illustrate, first and second battery modelsassociated with a Li-Ion battery module may be associated with differentmanufacturers, have different discharge profiles, different capacities,and/or any other distinguishing characteristic as may serve a particularimplementation.

Control module 302 may use contacts 5 and 6 to identify a battery modelassociated with a particular battery module in any suitable manner. Forexample, as described above, while a battery module is connected tointerface assembly 304, the battery module's resistor R_(ID) bridgescontacts 5 and 6 of interface assembly 304. This resistor forms a loadedvoltage divider in conjunction with various electrical components 404disposed on printed circuit board 406 of sound processor apparatus 104.In some examples, each battery model has a unique resistor R_(ID) value,which may result in a unique DC voltage at contact 5 (or at any otherlocation within sound processor apparatus 104) for each battery model.Hence, the DC voltage may be detected by control module 302 and used toidentify the battery model associated with a particular battery moduleconnected to interface assembly 304.

With respect to audio-enabled battery module 702, control module 302 mayuse contacts 5 and 6 to identify a battery model associated withaudio-enabled battery module 702 while audio-enabled battery module 702is connected to interface assembly 304 in a similar manner as describedabove. For example, control module 302 may detect a DC voltage createdby a resistor R_(ID) that bridges contacts 5 and 6 while audio-enabledbattery module 702 is connected to interface assembly 304. ResistorR_(ID) may also provide the necessary load impedance to audio receiver704.

In some examples, while audio-enabled battery module 702 is connected tointerface assembly 304, a pull-up resistor internal to audio receiver704 changes the DC bias on contact 5. This DC bias may be detected bycontrol module 302 and used to detect a presence of audio receiver 704.

Contact 5 may also be used by control module 302 as an auxiliary audioinput port while audio-enabled battery module 702 is connected tointerface assembly 304. This function is referred to as “AUX” in table1100. Contact 6 may be used by control module 302 as an audio groundassociated with the auxiliary audio input port while audio-enabledbattery module 702 is connected to interface assembly 304. This functionis referred to as “AUX GND” in table 1100. The auxiliary audio may beprovided by audio receiver 704.

Contact 5 may be concurrently used to identify a battery model and serveas an auxiliary audio input port in any suitable manner. For example,control module 302 may receive auxiliary audio input in the form of ACsignals on contact 5. At the same time, control module 302 may detect aDC voltage level on contact 5 in order to identify the battery model.

With respect to programming system 900, contact 5 may be used by controlmodule 302 as an auxiliary audio input port while programming system 900is connected to interface assembly 304. This function is referred to as“AUX” in table 1100. Contact 6 may be used by control module 302 as anaudio ground associated with the auxiliary audio input port whileprogramming system 900 is connected to interface assembly 304. Thisfunction is referred to as “AUX GND” in table 1100. The auxiliary audiomay be provided by audio receiver 706 and/or programming device 904.

Contact 5 may also be used by control module 302 (e.g., in researchenvironments) as an evoked auditory brain stem response (“EABR”) triggeroutput port while programming system 900 is connected to interfaceassembly 304. This function is referred to as “TRIG” in table 1100.

With respect to listening check interposer 1002, contacts 5 and 6 may beused by control module 302 to identify a presence of listening checkinterposer 1002 (i.e., that listening check interposer 1002 is connectedto interface assembly 304). This function is referred to as “MODEL ID”in table 1100.

Contact 5 may also be used by control module 302 as an auxiliary audioinput port while listening check interposer 1002 is connected tointerface assembly 304. This function is referred to as “AUX” in table1100. Contact 6 may be used by control module 302 as an audio groundassociated with the auxiliary audio input port while listening checkinterposer 1002 is connected to interface assembly 304. This function isreferred to as “AUX GND” in table 1100. The auxiliary audio may beprovided by an audio receiver that may be connected to listening checkinterposer 1002.

As shown in table 1100, contact 7 may be used by control module 302 toprovide power to an audio receiver attached to audio-enabled batterymodule 702, programming system 900, or listening check interposer 1002.This function is referred to as “AUX PWR” in table 1100. The power maybe provided through a series resistor internal to control module 302 orin any other suitable manner. The supply voltage associated with thepower may be of any suitable level (e.g., 1.25 V).

Contact 8 may be used by control module 302 (or by a charging device,which will be described in more detail below) to sense a temperature ofbattery cells included within a battery module connected to interfaceassembly 304. This function is referred to as “TEMP SENSE” in table1100. Contact 8 may be used for any other function (e.g., debugging) asmay serve a particular implementation.

The discussion above with respect to table 1100 has illustrated howvarious contacts (e.g., contacts 3 through 6) included within interfaceassembly 304 may be overloaded by control module 302 with differentfunctions depending on which external component is connected tointerface assembly 304. It will be recognized that any of the contactsmay be overloaded with additional or alternative functions as may servea particular implementation.

As mentioned, some types of battery modules (e.g., Li-Ion batterymodules) that may be connected to interface assembly 304 arerechargeable. FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary charging system 2000 thatmay be used to charge rechargeable battery modules. As shown, chargingsystem 2000 may include a charging device 2002 communicatively coupledto an AC adaptor 2004 configured to provide operating power to chargingdevice 2002.

As shown, charging device 2002 may include an interface assembly 2006.Interface assembly 2006 may include the same number of contacts (e.g.,eight) as interface assembly 304 of sound processor apparatus 104. Inthis manner, battery modules configured to be connected to interfaceassembly 304 of sound processor apparatus 104 may be connected tointerface assembly 2006 for charging by charging device 2002.

Various functions may be assigned to the contacts of interface assembly2006. For example, contacts 2 and 3 may be used to charge a batterymodule that has been connected to interface assembly 2006. Contact 5 maybe optionally used to detect a capacity of a battery module that hasbeen connected to interface assembly 2006. Contact 8 may be optionallyused to detect a temperature of battery cells included in a batterymodule that has been connected to interface assembly 2006. Temperatureinformation acquired by contact 8 may be used by charging device 2002 toadjust a manner in which charging device 2002 charges the battery module(e.g., by adjusting a charge rate at which the battery module ischarged, a charge profile, etc.).

The remaining contacts may be left open, as shown in FIG. 20. It will berecognized that additional or alternative functions may be assigned toeach contact included in interface assembly 2006 as may serve aparticular implementation.

In some examples, a non-rechargeable battery module may be configured todisallow charging of the non-rechargeable battery module if thenon-rechargeable battery module is connected (e.g., inadvertently) tointerface assembly 2006 of charging device 2002. In this manner, damageto the non-rechargeable battery module that may be caused by chargingdevice 2002 attempting to charge the non-rechargeable battery module maybe prevented.

To illustrate, as shown in FIG. 20, charging device 2002 uses contact 3as a ground while charging a battery module connected thereto. Contact 3of rechargeable battery modules (e.g., Li-Ion battery module 602) areconnected to ground, as shown in FIG. 6, and may therefore be chargedwhen coupled to charging device 2002. However, contact 3 ofnon-rechargeable battery modules (e.g., Zn-Air battery module 604) isopen and therefore not connected to ground. Hence, charging of thesetypes of battery modules cannot occur while they are coupled to chargingdevice 2002. As a result, a non-rechargeable battery module may beconnected to charging device 2002 without damaging the non-rechargeablebattery module.

FIG. 21 shows a table 2100 that lists a number of use cases and how eachcontact included in the eight contact interface assembly 304 illustratedin FIG. 4 may be used by control module 302 in each use case. As shown,the various use cases include a normal use case (i.e., where the patientuses auditory prosthesis system 100 as he or she normally would), anormal use case with an audio-enabled battery module, a battery charginguse case, a listening check use case, a device fitting use case, and aresearch and development (“R&D”) use case. The various ways in whicheach contact is used during these use cases are illustrated in table2100 and described more fully above.

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary method 2200 of overloading a pluralityof contacts included in an interface assembly of a sound processorapparatus that is a part of an auditory prosthesis system. While FIG. 22illustrates exemplary steps according to one embodiment, otherembodiments may omit, add to, reorder, and/or modify any of the stepsshown in FIG. 22. One or more of the steps shown in FIG. 22 may beperformed by control module 302 and/or any implementation thereof.

In step 2202, a control module included in a sound processor apparatusthat is a part of an auditory prosthesis system detects a connection ofa battery module to an interface assembly included within the soundprocessor apparatus. The interface assembly may include at least asingle contact. Step 2202 may be performed in any of the ways describedherein.

In step 2204, the control module enables, while the battery module isconnected to the interface assembly, a switchable current sourceincluded within the sound processor apparatus, the switchable currentsource having an output coupled to the single contact of the interfaceassembly by way of a data line. Step 2204 may be performed in any of theways described herein.

In step 2206, the control module detects a logic level of the data linewhile the switchable current source is enabled and while the batterymodule is connected to the interface assembly. Step 2206 may beperformed in any of the ways described herein.

In step 2208, the control module identifies, based on the detected logiclevel of the data line, a battery type associated with the batterymodule. Step 2208 may be performed in any of the ways described herein.

In the preceding description, various exemplary embodiments have beendescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however,be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto,and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing fromthe scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. Forexample, certain features of one embodiment described herein may becombined with or substituted for features of another embodimentdescribed herein. The description and drawings are accordingly to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sound processor apparatus included in anauditory prosthesis system and comprising: an interface assembly thatincludes at least a first contact and a second contact and thatfacilitates interchangeable connectivity of a plurality of externalcomponents to the sound processor apparatus, the plurality of externalcomponents comprising a battery module and a programming system that isconfigured to fit the auditory prosthesis system to a patient; a firstswitchable current source having an output coupled to the first contactof the interface assembly by way of a first data line; and a controlmodule communicatively coupled to the first and second contacts, to thefirst switchable current source, and to the first data line andconfigured to selectively operate in a battery type detection mode andin a programming mode, wherein, while operating in the battery typedetection mode, the control module: enables the first switchable currentsource while the battery module is connected to the interface assemblyby way of the first and second contacts, detects a logic level of thefirst data line while the first switchable current source is enabled andwhile the battery module is connected to the interface assembly, andidentifies, based on the detected logic level of the first data line andusing the first and second contacts, a battery type of the batterymodule, and wherein, while operating in the programming mode, thecontrol module: detects a connection of the programming system to theinterface assembly by way of the first and second contacts in place ofthe battery module, and uses a differential signaling heuristic tocommunicate with the programming system by way of the first and secondcontacts while the programming system is connected to the interfaceassembly by way of the first and second contacts.
 2. The sound processorapparatus of claim 1, wherein the control module: detects a logic low asthe logic level of the first data line if the connection of the batterymodule to the interface assembly causes the first contact to becomeconnected to a ground located within the battery module; and detects alogic high as the logic level of the first data line if the connectionof the battery module to the interface assembly causes the first contactto remain open without being connected to the ground located within thebattery module.
 3. The sound processor apparatus of claim 2, wherein thecontrol module: identifies the battery type as being a first batterytype if the logic low is detected; and identifies the battery type asbeing a second battery type if the logic high is detected.
 4. The soundprocessor apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first battery type isassociated with a first voltage range and the second battery type isassociated with a second voltage range different than the first voltagerange.
 5. The sound processor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controlmodule: detects a logic low as the logic level of the first data line ifthe battery module comprises a pull-down resistor coupled to a data linelocated within the battery module and that connects to the first contactwhen the battery module connects to the interface assembly; and detectsa logic high as the logic level of the first data line if the batterymodule does not comprise the pull-down resistor.
 6. The sound processorapparatus of claim 1, wherein: the sound processor apparatus furthercomprises a second switchable current source having an output coupled tothe second contact of the interface assembly by way of a second dataline; and the control module is further communicatively coupled to thesecond switchable current source and to the second data line and furtherenables the second switchable current source while the battery module isconnected to the interface assembly, and detects a logic level of thesecond data line while the second switchable current source is enabledand while the battery module is connected to the interface assembly;wherein the identification by the control module of the battery type isfurther based on the detected logic level of the second data line. 7.The sound processor apparatus of claim 6, wherein the control moduleidentifies the battery type by: identifying the battery type as a firstbattery type if the detected logic level of the first data line and thedetected logic level of the second data line are both logic lows;identifying the battery type as a second battery type if the detectedlogic level of the first data line is a logic low and the detected logiclevel of the second data line is a logic high; identifying the batterytype as a third battery type if the detected logic level of the firstdata line is a logic high and the detected logic level of the seconddata line is a logic low; and identifying the battery type as a fourthbattery type if the detected logic level of the first data line and thedetected logic level of the second data line are both logic highs. 8.The sound processor apparatus of claim 6, wherein the control moduledisables the first switchable current source in response to theidentifying of the battery type associated with the battery module. 9.The sound processor apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: a thirdswitchable current source having an output coupled to the first dataline; wherein the control module is further communicatively coupled tothe third switchable current source and configured to enable the thirdswitchable current source in response to the disabling of the firstswitchable current source; and wherein the enabling of the thirdswitchable current source causes the third switchable current source topull the first data line to a ground state.
 10. The sound processorapparatus of claim 1, wherein the control module uses differentialsignaling to communicate with the programming system by receivingprogramming instructions from the programming system by way of the firstand second contacts in the form of one or more differential signals. 11.The sound processor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control module:detects a powering on of the sound processor apparatus; and enables thefirst switchable current source in response to the powering on of thesound processor apparatus.
 12. The sound processor apparatus of claim 1,wherein the control module further performs one or more operations inaccordance with the identified battery type.
 13. The sound processorapparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more operations include atleast one of determining a remaining battery life associated with thebattery module, adjusting one or more control parameters associated withthe auditory prosthesis system, and determining when to initiate a shutdown procedure of the sound processor apparatus.
 14. The sound processorapparatus of claim 1, wherein: the interface assembly further includes athird contact; and the control module uses the second and third contactsto identify a battery model associated with the battery module.
 15. Thesound processor apparatus of claim 14, wherein the control module usesthe second and third contacts to identify the battery model associatedwith the battery module by: detecting a voltage level at the secondcontact that depends on a value of a resistor included within thebattery module and that bridges the second and third contacts while thebattery module is connected to the interface assembly; and using thedetected voltage level to identify the battery model.
 16. The soundprocessor apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a casing that housesthe interface assembly, the first switchable current source, and thecontrol module.
 17. A sound processor apparatus included in an auditoryprosthesis system and comprising: an interface assembly that includes atleast a first contact and a second contact and that facilitatesinterchangeable connectivity of a plurality of external components tothe sound processor apparatus, the plurality of external componentscomprising a battery module and a programming system that is configuredto fit the auditory prosthesis system to a patient; and a control modulecoupled to the first and second contacts and configured to selectivelyoperate in a battery type detection mode and in a programming mode;wherein, while operating in the battery type detection mode, the controlmodule uses the first and second contacts to detect a battery type ofthe battery module while the battery module is connected to theinterface assembly; wherein, while operating in the programming mode,the control module uses the first and second contacts to communicatewith the programming system while the programming system is connected tothe interface assembly; and wherein the control module uses the firstand second contacts to communicate with the programming system by usingthe first and second contacts to communicate with the programming systemin accordance with a differential signaling heuristic.
 18. A methodcomprising: detecting, by a control module included within a soundprocessor apparatus that is a part of an auditory prosthesis system, aconnection of a battery module to an interface assembly included withinthe sound processor apparatus, the interface assembly comprising atleast a first contact and a second contact and facilitatinginterchangeable connectivity of a plurality of external components tothe sound processor apparatus, the plurality of external componentscomprising the battery module and a programming system that isconfigured to fit the auditory prosthesis system to a patient, and thecontrol module coupled to the first and second contacts and configuredto selectively operate in a battery type detection mode and in aprogramming mode; wherein, while operating in the battery type detectionmode: enabling, by the control module while the battery module isconnected to the interface assembly, a switchable current sourceincluded within the sound processor apparatus, the switchable currentsource having an output coupled to the first contact of the interfaceassembly by way of a data line; detecting, by the control module, alogic level of the data line while the switchable current source isenabled and while the battery module is connected to the interfaceassembly; and identifying, by the control module based on the detectedlogic level of the data line and using the first and second contacts, abattery type of the battery module; and wherein, while operating in theprogramming mode: detecting, by the control module, a connection of theprogramming system to the interface assembly by way of the first andsecond contacts in place of the battery module; and using, by thecontrol module subsequent to the detecting of the connection of theprogramming system, a differential signaling heuristic to communicatewith the programming system by way of the first and second contactswhile the programming system is connected to the interface assembly byway of the first and second contacts.